Chloe grabbed a datapad from the table beside her, her fingers flying across its surface. She was taking notes—or at least, that's what it would look like to anyone watching. But I saw the intensity in her eyes, the way she was focused on my fingers.
She understood.
Relief flooded through me, so powerful I almost broke. But I held steady, kept my expression neutral, my voice calm.
"This is why I wanted to speak with you first," I said to Ako. "Your support means everything to the Council. If you accept my decision, they will too. And as my assistant, Chloe will need to prepare for the abdication."
Another flicker of surprise, even if they didn't pick up on the Morse code, naming Chloe as my assistant was a gigantic clue that something was wrong. Ako was staring at me, and I could see the wheels turning in his mind. He knew me too well. Knew that something was wrong. But before he could speak, Chloe touched his arm and turned the datapad toward him.
"This is the protocol I would need to follow for the abdication, correct?" Chloe asked as cover.
I watched his face as he read. Watched the shock register, then the understanding, then the careful calculation as he schooled his features back into neutrality.
Someone who didn't know Ako well wouldn't have noticed the change. The slight catch in his breath. The way his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. The flash of anger in his eyes before he buried it beneath diplomatic composure.
But I knew him. And I saw it all.
"I see," he said slowly, his voice carefully measured. "This is... unexpected, Serna."
"I know." I held his gaze, willing him to understand the subtext. "But it's what I want. What Cullen and I both want."
Chloe set the datapad down and looked directly at me. "Lady Prime," she said, and her voice was steady despite the worry I could see in her eyes. "As your assistant, I'll need detailed instructions on how to handle the transition. Files to transfer, contacts to notify."
I nodded, playing along with the fiction we'd created. "Of course. You'll need to coordinate with Council on the preparations for the abdication ceremony. Duke Ako can help you with the particulars. Make sure everything is handled properly."
"I understand." Chloe met my eyes, and in that moment, I saw her father in her—the same strength, the same courage.
"Do you have everything you need from me?" I asked. "All the information necessary to proceed?"
The question was layered.Did I send the full message? Did she receive it correctly?
"Yes," Chloe said, giving a small nod that spoke volumes. "I have it exactly."
"Good." I nodded once, sharp and decisive. "Then begin preparations immediately."
"Thank you." I turned back to Ako. "Will you support my decision? When I make the announcement to the Council?"
Ako held my gaze for a long moment. Then, slowly, he nodded. "If this is truly what you want, Serna, then yes. I will support you."
The lie tasted bitter, but it was necessary. We both knew it.
"Thank you," I said quietly. "Both of you. This means more than you know."
"We'll be ready," Chloe said, and there was steel beneath her words. A promise. "Whatever you need, whenever you need it."
Please let that mean what I think it means,I thought desperately.Please let them come in time.
"The Council call is scheduled for tomorrow at noon," I said. "I'll see you then.
"Until then," Ako said.
The holographic display flickered and died, leaving me alone in the communications room with Riuondo's presence looming behind me.
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then Riuondo stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "That went well," he said. "Ako seemed convinced."
"He knows me," I said carefully. "He knows I wouldn't make this decision lightly."
